Benzo B!thiophene compounds, intermediates, formulations, and methods

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical and organic chemistry and provides benzothiophene compounds, intermediates, formulations, and methods.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/028,440, filed Oct. 10, 1996.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical and organic chemistry and provides benzo b!thiophene compounds, intermediates, formulations, and methods.

Osteoporosis describes a group of diseases which arises from diverse etiologies, but which are characterized by the net loss of bone mass per unit volume. The consequence of this loss of bone mass and resulting bone fracture is the failure of the skeleton to provide adequate support for the body. One of the most common types of osteoporosis is associated with menopause. Most women lose from about 20% to about 60% of the bone mass in the trabecular compartment of the bone within 3 to 6 years after the cessation of menses. This rapid loss is generally associated with an increase of bone resorption and formation. However, the resorptive cycle is more dominant and the result is a net loss of bone mass. Osteoporosis is a common and serious disease among postmenopausal women.

There are an estimated 25 million women in the United States alone who are afflicted with this disease. The results of osteoporosis are personally harmful, and also account for a large economic loss due to its chronicity and the need for extensive and long term support (hospitalization and nursing home care) from the disease sequelae. This is especially true in more elderly patients. Additionally, although osteoporosis is generally not thought of as a life threatening condition, a 20% to 30% mortality rate is related to hip fractures in elderly women. A large percentage of this mortality rate can be.directly associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

The most generally accepted method for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis is estrogen replacement therapy. Although therapy is generally successful, patient compliance with the therapy is low, primarily because estrogen treatment frequently produces undesirable side effects. An additional method of treatment would be the administration of a bisphosphonate compound, such as, for example, Fosomax® (Merck & Co., Inc.).

Throughout premenopausal time, most women have less incidence of cardiovascular disease than men of the same age. Following menopause, however, the rate of cardiovascular disease in women slowly increases to match the rate seen in men. This loss of protection has been linked to the loss of estrogen and, in particular, to the loss of estrogen's ability to regulate the levels of serum lipids. The nature of estrogen's ability to regulate serum lipids is not well understood, but evidence to date indicates that estrogen can up regulate the low density lipid (LDL) receptors in the liver to remove excess cholesterol.

It has been reported in the literature that serum lipid levels in postmenopausal women having estrogen replacement therapy return to concentrations found in the premenopausal state. Thus, estrogen would appear to be a reasonable treatment for this condition. However, the side effects of estrogen replacement therapy are not acceptable to many women, thus limiting the use of this therapy. An ideal therapy for this condition would be an agent which regulates serum lipid levels in a manner analogous to estrogen, but which is devoid of the side effects and risks associated with estrogen therapy.

Estrogen dependent cancers are major diseases affecting both women and to a lesser extent men. Cancer cells of this type are dependent on a source of estrogen to maintain the original tumor as well as to proliferate and metastasize to other locations. The most common forms of estrogen dependent cancer are breast and uterine carcinomas. Current chemotherapy of these diseases relies primarily on the use of anti-estrogens, predominately tamoxifen. The use of tamoxifen, although efficacious, is not without undesirable side-effects, e.g., estrogen agonist properties, such as uterine hypertrophy and carcinogenic potential. Compounds of the current invention while showing the same or better potential for anti-cancer activity, also, demonstrate a lower potential for estrogen agonist activity.

Thus, it would be a significant contribution to the art to provide novel compounds useful, for example, in the treatment or prevention of the disease states as indicated herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein R¹ is --H, --Cl, --F, C₁ -C4 alkyl, --OH, --O(C₁ --C₄ alkyl), --OCO(C₁ -C₆ alkyl), --O--CO--O(C₁ -C₆ alkyl), --O--CO--AR, --OSO₂ (C₂ -C₆ alkyl), or --O-CO--OAR, where AR is optionally substituted phenyl;

R² and R³ are, independently, R¹ ;

R⁴ is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, methyl-1-pyrrolidinyl, dimethyl-1-pyrrolidino, 4-morpholino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, diisopropylamino, or 1-hexamethyleneimino;

X is --CO--or --CH₂ --; and

n is 2 or 3;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of formula I and methods for the therapeutic use of such compounds and compositions.

DERAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention further provides intermediate compounds of formula II which are novel and useful for preparing the pharmaceutically active compounds of the present invention, and are shown below. ##STR2## wherein: R^(1a) is --H, --Cl, --F, --OR⁵ ;

R^(2a) and R^(3a) are, independently, R^(1a) ; and

R⁵ is a hydroxyl protecting group, preferred would be methyl.

Further, the current invention provides novel intermediates of formula III, which are useful in the synthesis of the pharmacologically active compounds of formula I. ##STR3## wherein: R^(1a), R^(2a), and R^(3a) have their previous meanings; and

R⁶ is --H or CH₃.

In addition, the compounds of formula IV are provided, which are novel and useful for the synthesis of formula I compounds. ##STR4## wherein: R^(1a), R^(2a), R^(3a), and n have their previous meanings; and

Q is a leaving group, such as bromo.

General terms used in the description of compounds herein described bear their usual meanings. For example, "C₁ -C₆ alkyl" refers to straight or branched aliphatic chains of 1 to 6 carbon atoms including moieties such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, n-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, and the like. Similarly, the term "--OC₁ -C₄ alkyl" represents a C₁ -C₄ alkyl group attached through an oxygen molecule and include moieties such as, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, and the like. Of these alkoxy groups, methoxy is highly preferred in most circumstances.

Optionally substituted phenyl includes phenyl and phenyl substituted once or twice with C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, chloro, fluoro, or tri (chloro or fluoro)methyl.

The term, hydroxyl protecting group, (R⁵), contemplates numerous functionalities used in the literature to protect a hydroxyl function during a chemical sequence and which can be removed to yield the phenol. Included within this group would be acyls, mesylates, tosylates, benzyl, alkylsilyloxys, --OC₁ -C₄ alkyls, and the like. Numerous reactions for the formation and removal of such protecting groups are described in a number of standard works including, for example, Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, Plenum Press (London and New York, 1973); Green, T. W., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, Wiley, (New York, 1981); and The Peptides, Vol. I, Schrooder and Lubke, Academic Press (London and New York, 1965). A preferred hydroxyl protecting groups for the current invention is methyl.

The term "inhibit" includes its generally accepted meaning which includes prohibiting, preventing, restraining, alleviating, ameliorating, and slowing, stopping or reversing progression, severity, or a resultant symptom. As such, the present method includes both medical therapeutic and/or prophylactic administration, as appropriate.

The compounds of the current invention are named as derivatives of centrally located carbon, i.e., the "--CO--" or "--CH₂ --" moiety in formula I, thus derivatives are methanones or methanes, e.g. a compound of A--CO--B, would be named A! B!methanone. Further the compounds of formula I are derivatives of benzo b!thiophene which is named and numbered according to the Ring Index, The American Chemical Society, as follows: ##STR5##

The chemical synthesis of the compounds of the current invention begin with the synthesis of the compounds of formula II. These compounds are prepared via methods analogous to those elucidated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,133,814 and 4,418,068, each of which is incorporated by reference, herein, also see: Jones, et al., J.Med. Chem, 27, 1057-1066 (1984). The synthetic pathway for these compounds is shown in Scheme I, below. ##STR6##

The synthetic sequence begins with the alkylation of m-thiocresol with a phenacyl bromide of formula V. The alkylation is usually carried out in the presence of a strong base, e.g., hydroxides of alkaline metals, carbonates, organic bases, and the like. A preferred base is sodium or potassium hydroxide. This reaction may be run in a variety of solvents, such as THF, ether, esters, alcohols, aqueous mixture thereof, and the like. A preferred solvent for the current invention is a mixture of ethanol, EtOAc, and water. The reaction may be run at temperatures from 20-100° C., in the current application, ambient temperature is sufficient and convenient. The reaction is usually complete within twelve to eighteen hours; however, the progress of the reaction may be monitored by conventional methods, such as tlc, and the reaction terminated when complete. The compounds of formula V may be prepared by methods known in the art. Compounds of formula V include, but are not limited to: α-bromo-4-methoxyacetophenone, α-bromo-3-methoxyacetophenone, α-bromo-2-methoxyacetophenone,

α-bromo-3,4-di-methoxyacetophenone, α-bromo-4-fluoroacetophenone, α-bromo-3-chloroacetophenone, α-bromo-2-chloroacetophenone, α-bromoacetophenone, α-bromo-3-chloro-4-methoxyacetophenone, α-bromo-2-fluoro-4-methoxyacetophenone, α-bromo-2,4-di-methoxyacetophenone, α-bromo-2-fluoro-3,4-di-methoxyacetophenone, α-bromo-2,3-di-methoxyacetophenone, and the like.

The compounds of formula II are novel and useful synthetic intermediates of the current invention.

Compounds of formula II include, but are not limited to:

2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-(2,4-di-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-(3,4-di-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-(2,3-di-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-phenyl-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-(2-chlorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-(3-fluorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-(2-fluorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

2-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene and the like.

The compounds of formula II may be converted to those of formula I by several synthetic pathways, which are illustrated in Scheme II, below. ##STR7##

The first and most direct synthetic pathway involves the reaction of a compound of formula II with an acid chloride of formula VII in a Friedel-Crafts acylation on the 3-position of the benzo b!thiophene. The compounds of formula VII are known in the art (see Jones et al., ibid), or may be prepared from the O-alkylation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with a formula VIII (below) compound and subsequent conversion to the acid chloride. ##STR8## wherein R⁴ and n have their previous meanings or a salt thereof.

Compounds of formula VII include, but are not limited to:

4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!benzoyl chloride

4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!benzoyl chloride hydrochloride

4- 3-(1-piperidinyl)propyloxy!benzoyl chloride

4- 2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethoxy!benzoyl chloride

4- 2-(1-hexamethyleneimino)ethoxy!benzoyl chloride

4- 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethoxy!benzoyl chloride

4- 2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethoxy!benzoyl chloride

4- 3-(1-pyrrolidinyl)propyloxy!benzoyl chloride

4- 3-(1-hexamethyleneimino)propyloxy!benzoyl chloride

4- 3-(1-piperidinyl)propyloxy!benzoyl chloride hydrochloride, and the like.

Freidel-Crafts acylations are usually run in the presence of a Lewis Acid, such as, BCl₃, AlCl₃, BF₃, and the like. A preferred acid is AlCl₃. These reactions may be run in a variety of inert solvents, e.g., THF, ether, halogenated hydrocarbons, hydrocarbons, etc. A preferred solvent for the current invention is dichloroethane. A variety of reaction temperature are permissible from 0° to 100° C. and the reaction is usually complete in six to eighty hours depending on the above reaction conditions. Preferred for the current invention is a reaction temperature of 80-85° C., and the reaction time to completion is about seventy-two hours. An example of this chemistry is given below.

Application of the chemistry, supra, enables the preparation of compounds of formula Ia, which include, but are not limited to:

2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone hydrochloride

2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 3-(1-piperidinyl)propyloxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-phenyl-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(3,4-di-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(2-chlorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-hexamethyleneimino)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone, and the like.

An alternate synthesis for the compounds of formula Ia proceeds through the intermediates III' and III". In this synthetic pathway formula II compounds are acylated in the 3-position with 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride. This acylation is carrier out under the same Friedel-Crafts conditions as described, supra. This reactions yields the compounds of formula III', which are converted to their corresponding hydroxy analogs (III") by demethylation. This demethylation reaction is selective for the 4-methoxy on the benzoyl phenyl, even in the presence of other methoxy groups in the molecule, e.g., R^(1a-3a), and is described at length in the references cited, supra. This reaction is essentially a hydrolysis of a vinylagous ester and carried out with a slight molar excess of NaSEt in DMF at 80° C. for several hours.

Application of this chemistry enables the preparation of the compounds of formula III, i.e., III' combined with III", which include, but are not limited to:

2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-methoxyphenyl!methanone

2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-hydroxyphenyl!methanone

2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-methoxyphenyl!methanone

2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-methoxyphenyl!methanone

2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-hydroxyphenyl!methanone

2-phenyl-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-methoxyphenyl!methanone

2-phenyl-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-hydroxyphenyl!methanone

2-(3,4-di-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-methoxyphenyl!methanone

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-methoxyphenyl!methanone

2-(2-methoxy-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-methoxyphenyl!methanone

2-(2-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-hydroxyphenyl!methanone

2-(2-methoxy-4-fluorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-hydroxyphenyl!methanone, and the like.

Compounds of formula III' may be converted to formula Ia compounds via two different routes of O-alkylation. The first route involves alkylating the 4-benzoylhydroxyl with a compound of formula VIII or a salt thereof.

    (Br)Cl--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --R.sup.4                         VIII

wherein R⁴ and n have their previous meanings. Compounds of formula VIII include, e.g., 2-chloroethyl(1-piperidine) hydrochloride, 3-chloropropyl(1-piperidine), 2-chloroethyl(1-pyrrolidine), 3-chloropropyl (N,N-dimethylamine), 2-bromoethyl(1-hexamethyleneimine), 2-bromoethyl(N,N-diethylamine), and the like. A preferred compound is 2-chloroethyl(1-piperidine) hydrochloride. This alkylation is run in the presence of a strong base, such as alkaline metal carbonates, bicarbonates, or hydroxides, strong tertiary organic bases, and the like. A preferred base is K₂ CO₃. This reactions is generally carried out in an inert solvent, such as alkyl ketones, esters, ethers, hydrocarbons, or halogenated hydrocarbons, and at temperatures between 25-100° C. Under these conditions, the reactions are generally complete within six to twenty-four hours. A preferred set of conditions is the use of methylethylketone at 80° C. (reflux) for sixteen hours. This chemistry will provide the compounds of formula Ia.

The second route to compounds Ia from those of III" is accomplished by O-alkylation of the 4-benzoylhydroxyl with a compound of formula IX.

    Q'--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --Q                                   IX

wherein n is two or three and Q and Q' are leaving groups, which may be the same or different.

Q and Q' may be a variety of chemical functions which have the property of being easily displaced by nucleophiles such as amines or phenoxide ions, such functions would include, e.g., mesylates, tosylates, halides, and the like. Preferred compounds for the current invention are 1,2-dibromoethane or 1,3-dibromopropane. These alkylations are run essentially in the same manner as described, supra. Equal molar amounts of IX and III" are used and yield a statistical distribution of products as would be expected from such a bifunctional reagent as IX. Separation of the desired product may be accomplished by chromatography on silica gel using a linear gradient beginning with CHCl₃ and ending with CHCl₃ -MeOH (19:1)(v/v) or a similar system. Application of this chemistry enables the preparation of the compounds of formula IV, which include, but are not limited to:

2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(3-bromopropyloxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-phenyl-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-phenyl-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(3-bromopropyloxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(3,4-di-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(3-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromopropyloxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(2-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(2-fluorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(2-chlorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(2,4-di-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(2,3-di-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(2,3-di-fluorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(2,3,4-tri-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone

2-(2,3,4-tri-fluorophenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4-(2-bromoethoxy)phenyl!methanone and the like.

The compounds of formula IV may be converted to those of Ia by displacement of the alkylbromo function with an amine, R⁴ H, or a salt thereof. R⁴ includes piperidine, pyrrolidine, hexamethyleneimine, N,N-dimethylamine, and the like. A preferred amine for compounds of formula I is piperidine hydrochloride. This reaction is usually run in the presence of a strong base, in solvents, and under reaction conditions as described, supra, for the O-alkylations. A preferred set of reaction conditions is a compound of formula IV reacted with a four fold molar excess of piperidine hydrochloride (or other R⁴ H) with an excess of K₂ CO₃ in methylethylketone at 80° C. Under these conditions, the reaction is usually complete in sixteen hours.

Other compounds of formula I are prepared by replacing the 2', 3', and/or 4'-position hydroxy moieties, when present, with a moiety of the formula --O--CO--(C₁ -C₆ alkyl), --O--CO--Ar, or --O--SO₂ --(C₂ -C₆ alkyl) via known procedures. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,393,763 or 5,482,949, each of which is included by reference herein.

For example, when an --O--CO(C₁ -C6 alkyl) or --O--CO-phenyl group is desired, a mono-, di-, trihydroxy compound of formula Ia is reacted with an agent such as acyl chloride, bromide, cyanide, or azide, or with an appropriate anhydride or mixed anhydride. The reactions are conveniently carried out in a basic solvent such as pyridine, lutidine, quinoline or isoquinoline, or in a tertiary amine solvent such as triethylamine, tributylamine, methylpiperidine, and the like. The reaction also may be carried out in an inert solvent such as ethyl acetate, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxane, dimethoxyethane, acetonitrile, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and the like, to which at least one equivalent of an acid scavenger, such as a tertiary amine, has been added. If desired, acylation catalysts such as 4-dimethylaminopyridine or 4-pyrrolidinopyridine may be used. See, e.g., Haslam, et al., Tetrahedron, 36:2409-2433 (1980).

The present reactions are carried out at moderate temperatures, in the range from about -25° C. to about 100° C., frequently under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen gas. However, ambient temperature is usually adequate for the reaction to run.

Acylation of a 2', 3', and/or 4'-position hydroxy group also may be performed by acid-catalyzed reactions of the appropriate carboxylic acids in inert organic solvents. Acid catalysts such as sulfuric acid, polyphosphoric acid, methanesulfonic acid, and the like are used.

When a formula I compound is desired in which the 2',3', and/or 4'-position hydroxy group of a formula Ia compound, when present, is converted to a group of the formula --O--SO₂ --(C₂ -C₆ alkyl), the mono-, di-, or trihydroxy compound is reacted with, for example, a sulfonic anhydride or a derivative of the appropriate sulfonic acid such as a sulfonyl chloride, bromide, or sulfonyl ammonium salt, as taught by King and Monoir, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 97:2566-2567 (1975). The hydroxy compounds also can be reacted with the appropriate sulfonic anhydride or mixed sulfonic anhydrides. Such reactions are carried out under conditions such as were explained above in the discussion of reaction with acid halides and the like.

Applying the chemical synthetic schemes, supra, compounds of formula I may be prepared, and such compounds include, but are not limited to:

2-(4-acetyloxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(4-benzoyloxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(4-n-butylsulfonoyloxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(3-acetyloxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(2-benzoyloxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(4-butanoyloxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 3-(1-piperidinyl)propyloxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(3-fluoro-4-benzoyloxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(2-chloro-4-acetyloxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(4-acetyloxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(4-acetyloxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-hexamethyleneimino)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(4-benzoyloxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone

2-(3-fluoro-4-acetyloxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 3-(1-pyrrolidinyl)propyloxy!phenyl!methanone, and the like.

Preferred embodiments of the current invention are 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone hydrochloride and 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone hydrochloride.

Although the free-base form of formula I compounds can be used in the methods of the present invention, it is preferred to prepare and use a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form. Thus, the compounds used in the methods of this invention primarily form pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts with a wide variety of organic and inorganic acids, and include the physiologically acceptable salts which are often used in pharmaceutical chemistry. Such salts are also part of this invention. Typical inorganic acids used to form such salts include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, nitric, sulfuric, phosphoric, hypophosphoric, and the like. Salts derived from organic acids, such as aliphatic mono and dicarboxylic acids, phenyl substituted alkanoic acids, hydroxyalkanoic and hydroxyalkandioic acids, aromatic acids, aliphatic and aromatic sulfonic acids, may also be used. Such pharmaceutically acceptable salts thus include acetate, phenylacetate, trifluoroacetate, acrylate, ascorbate, benzoate, chlorobenzoate, dinitrobenzoate, hydroxybenzoate, methoxybenzoate, methylbenzoate, o-acetoxybenzoate, naphthalene-2-benzoate, bromide, isobutyrate, phenylbutyrate, β-hydroxybutyrate, butyne-1,4-dioate, hexyne-1,4-dioate, caprate, caprylate, chloride, cinnamate, citrate, formate, fumarate, glycollate, heptanoate, hippurate, lactate, malate, maleate, hydroxymaleate, malonate, mandelate, mesylate, nicotinate, isonicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, phthalate, terephthalate, phosphate, monohydrogenphosphate, dihydrogenphosphate, metaphosphate, pyrophosphate, propiolate, propionate, phenylpropionate, salicylate, sebacate, succinate, suberate, sulfate, bisulfate, pyrosulfate, sulfite, bisulfite, sulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-bromophenylsulfonate, chlorobenzenesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, methanesulfonate, naphthalene-1-sulfonate, naphthalene-2-sulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, xylenesulfonate, tartarate, and the like. Preferred salts are the hydrochloride and oxalate salts.

The pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are typically formed by reacting a compound of formula I with an equimolar or excess amount of acid. The reactants are generally combined in a mutual solvent such as diethyl ether or ethyl acetate. The salt normally precipitates out of solution within about one hour to 10 days and can be isolated by filtration or the solvent can be stripped off by conventional means.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts generally have enhanced solubility characteristics compared to the compound from which they are derived, and thus are often more amenable to formulation as liquids or emulsions.

The term "solvate" represents an aggregate that comprises one or more molecules of the solute, such as a formula I compound, with one or more molecules of solvent.

The following examples are presented to further illustrate the preparation of compounds of the present invention. It is not intended that the invention be limited in scope by reason of any of the following examples.

NMR data for the following Examples were generated on a GE 300 MHz NMR instrument.

PREPARATION 1 4-Methoxy-α- (3-methylphenyl)thio!acetophenone

To a freshly prepared solution of EtOH(100 mL), H₂ O(50 mL), and KOH(10 g, 0.18 mmol), 15 g (13.5 mL, 0.12 mmol) of m-thiocresol was slowly added. The reaction was stirred at ambient temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. A solution of 27 g (0.12 mmol) of α-bromo-4-methoxyacetophenone in 100 mL of EtOAc was slowly added to the reaction mixture and the reaction was allowed to proceed for sixteen hours. The reaction was quenched by evaporating the solvents in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in 300 mL of EtOAc and washed with 300 mL of water. The aqueous was extracted three times with 300 mL of EtOAc. The combined EtOAc extracts was washed with brine, dried by filtration through anhydrous Na₂ SO₄, and evaporated to a yellow oil. The oil was dissolved in 300 mL of hot MeOH and cooled to -10° C. for sixteen hours. A tan precipitate formed which was triturated with hexane and dried. This yielded 28 g of the title compound as a tan solid, mp. 41-43° C.

PMR: (CDCl₃) δ 2.40(s,3H); 4.00(s,3H); 4.35(s,2H); 7.05-7.35(m,4H); 8.05(d, J=10 Hz,2H); MS: m/e=272 FD; EA: Calc. for C₁₆ H₁₆ O₂ S: C, 70.56; H, 5.92; S, 11.77; Found: C, 70.63; H, 5.93; S, 12.04.

PREPARATION 2 2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene

5 g (0.018 mmol) of 4-methoxy-α- (3-methylphenyl)thio!acetophenone and 50 g of polyphosphoric acid were heated to 120° for five hours, while being stirred with a mechanical stirrer in a 250 mL round bottomed flask. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to ambient temperature and 100 mL of water was added. The pH of the solution was adjusted to 10-12 with 20% KOH (ca 100 mL) -which afforded a dark red solution. This solution was extracted three times with 200 mL of EtOAc and twice with 100 mL portions of CHCl₃. The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine, dried with Na₂ SO₄, and evaporated to an orange solid. The solid was triturated with hot MeOH and filtered. This yielded 3.5 g of the title compound as a tan solid, mp: 198-200° C.

PMR (CDCl₃) δ2.60(s,3H); 4.00(s,3H); 7.05(d,J=10 Hz,2H); 7.25(d,J=8 Hz,1H); 7.50(s,1H); 7.70-7.80(m,4H); MS: m/e=254 FD; EA: Calc. for C₁₆ H₁₄ OS-1/4H₂ O: C, 74.31; H, 5.64; S, 12.39 Found: C, 74.55; H, 5.58; S, 11.95.

EXAMPLE 1 2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl} 4- 2-(1-piperdinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone Hydrochloride

1 g (3.9 mmol) of 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thiophene and 3 g (9.9 mmol) of 4- 2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy!benzoyl chloride hydrochloride were suspended in 250 mL of 1,2-dichloroethane and under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction was heated to reflux (83° C.) for seventy-two hours. The reaction was allowed to cool and quenched with the addition of 50 mL of THF. The solvents were removed by evaporation and the residue heated in 50 mL of 10% (w) KOH to hydrolyze any unreacted acid chloride. The mixture was extracted five times with 200 mL portions of CHCl₃ at a pH of 10-12. The combined CHCl₃ extracts was dried with Na₂ SO₄ and evaporated to dryness. The residue was chromatographed on a silica gel column eluted with acetone. The resulting free base was converted to its hydrochloride salt using acetone/conc. HCl. This yielded 1.7 g of the title compound as a tan solid, mp: 225-228° C.

PMR: (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.35-1.50(m,1H); 1.70-1.95(m,5H); 2.55(s,3H); 2.95-3.15(m,2H); 3.40-3.60(m,4H); 3.80(s,3H); 4.50-4.60(m,2H); 7.00(d,J=10 Hz,2H); 7.10(d,J=10 Hz,2H); 7.30(d,J=8 Hz,1H); 7.35-7.45(m,3H); 7.80(d,J=10 Hz,2H); 7.95(s,1H); MS: m/e=485 FD; EA: Calc. for C₃₀ H₃₁ NO₃ S-HCl: C, 69.02; H, 6.18; N, 2.68; S, 6.14 Found: C, 68.89; H, 6.16; N, 2.61; S, 5.86.

EXAMPLE 2 2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl} 4- 2-(1-piperdinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone Hydrochloride

2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl! 4- 2-(1-piperdinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone hydrochloride (1 g, 1.9 mmol) was suspended in 100 mL of dichlororethane and 1 mL (1.35 g, 21.8 mmol) of EtSH was added. The suspension was cooled to 5° C. and 1.5 g (11.3 mmol) of AlCl3 was added. The reaction turned a dark red color. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for three hours at 50° and then allowed to stir for an additional two hours at ambient temperature. The reaction was quenched with the addition of acetone:THF(1:1,v/v, 50 mL). The solvents were removed by evaporation and the residue partioned between 200 mL of EtOAc and 200 mL of 10% aqueous NaHCO₃. The aqueous layer was extracted two times with 300 mL portions of EtOAc and twice with 300 mL portions of CH₂ Cl₂. All the organic layers were combined, dried with Na₂ SO₄, and evaporated to a dark oil. The product was further purified by chromatography on a silica gel column eluted with a linear gradient beginning with acetone and ending with acetone-MeOH (9:1)(v/v). The free base was converted to its hydrochloride salt by dissolving the column product in acetone and adding conc. HCl. This yielded 620 mg of the title compound as a tan solid, mp: 220-223° C.

PMR: (DMSO-d₆) δ 1.35-1.50(m,1H); 1.70-1.95(m,5H); 2.95-3.10(m,2H); 3.40-3.55(m,4H); 4.45-4.55(m,2H); 6.80(d,J=10 Hz,2H); 7.05(d,J=10 Hz,2H); 7.25-7.35(m,3H); 7.40(d,J=8 Hz,1H); 7.75(d,J=10 Hz,2H); 7.90(s,1H);10.00(s,1H) EA: Caic. for C₂₉ H₂₉ NO₃ S-HCl: C, 66.21; H. 6.13; N, 2.66; S, 6.09 Found: C, 65.96; H, 5.88; N, 2.43; S, 6.16.

TEST PROCEDURE General Preparation Procedure

In the examples illustrating the methods, a post-menopausal model was used in which effects of different treatments upon circulating lipids were determined.

Seventy-five day old female Sprague Dawley rats (weight range of 200 to 225 g) are obtained from Charles River Laboratories (Portage, Mich.). The animals are either bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX) or exposed to a Sham surgical procedure at Charles River Laboratories, and then shipped after one week. Upon arrival, they are housed in metal hanging cages in groups of 3 or 4 per cage and have ad libitum access to food (calcium content approximately 0.5%) and water for one week. Room temperature is maintained at 22.2°±1.7° C. with a minimum relative humidity of 40%. The photoperiod in the room is 12 hours light and 12 hours dark.

Dosing Regimen Tissue Collection. After a one week acclimation period (therefore, two weeks post-OVX) daily dosing with test compound is initiated. 17α-ethynyl estradiol or the test compound are given orally, unless otherwise stated, as a suspension in 1% carboxymethylcellulose or dissolved in 20% cyclodextrin. Animals are dosed daily for 4 days. Following the dosing regimen, animals are weighed and anesthetized with a ketamine: Xylazine (2:1, V:V) mixture and a blood sample is collected by cardiac puncture. The animals are then sacrificed by asphyxiation with CO₂, the uterus is removed through a midline incision, and a wet uterine weight is determined.

Cholesterol Analysis. Blood samples are allowed to clot at ambient temperature for 2 hours, and serum is obtained following centrifugation for 10 minutes at 3000 rpm. Serum cholesterol is determined using a Boehringer Mannheim Diagnostics high performance cholesterol assay. Briefly, the cholesterol is oxidized to cholest-4-en-3-one and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide is then reacted with phenol and 4-aminophenazone in the presence of peroxidase to produce a p-quinone imine dye, which is read spectrophotemetrically at 500 nm. Cholesterol concentration is then calculated against a standard curve.

Uterine Eosinophil Peroxidase (EPO) Assay. Uteri are kept at 4° C. until time of enzymatic analysis. The uteri are then homogenized in 50 volumes of 50 mM Tris buffer (pH-8.0) containing 0.005% Triton X-100. Upon addition of 0.01% hydrogen peroxide and 10 mM O-phenylenediamine (final concentrations) in Tris buffer, increase in absorbance is monitored for one minute at 450 nm. The presence of eosonophils in the uterus is an indication of estrogenic activity of a compound. The maximal velocity of a 15 second interval is determined over the initial, linear portion of the reaction curve.

Source of Compound: 17α-ethynyl estradiol was obtained from Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo.

The pharmacologic activity for the methods of the current invention, i.e., the compounds of formula I, are illustrate in Table 1, below.

Osteoporosis Test Procedure

Following the General Preparation Procedure, infra, the rats are treated daily for 35 days (6 rats per treatment group) and sacrificed by carbon dioxide asphyxiation on the 36th day. The 35 day time period is sufficient to allow maximal reduction in bone density, measured as described herein. At the time of sacrifice, the uteri are removed, dissected free of extraneous tissue, and the fluid contents are expelled before determination of wet weight in order to confirm estrogen deficiency associated with complete ovariectomy. Uterine weight is routinely reduced about 75% in response to ovariectomy. The uteri are then placed in 10% neutral buffered formalin to allow for subsequent histological analysis.

The right femurs are excised and digitilized x-rays generated and analyzed by an image analysis program (NIH image) at the distal metaphysis. The proximal aspect of the tibiae from these animals are also scanned by quantitative computed tomography.

In accordance with the above procedures, compounds of the present invention and ethynyl estradiol (EE₂) in 20% hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin are orally administered to test animals.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                                                             Serum                                              Dose     Uterine Wt.                                                                               Uterine EPO                                                                            Cholesterol                                Compound                                                                               (mg/kg).sup.a                                                                           (% Inc.).sup.b                                                                            (Vmax).sup.c                                                                           (% Dec.).sup.d                             ______________________________________                                         EE.sub.2.sup.e                                                                         0.       171.2*     142.4*  85.1*                                      Example 1                                                                              0.1      -11.4      1.4     -20.3                                              1        -4.6       1.6     17.2                                               10        2.1       5.2     34.8*                                      Example 2                                                                              0.1      -9.0       2.0     16.9                                               1.0      23.9       2.8     33.8*                                              10.0     29.0       2.9     21.6                                       ______________________________________                                          *p < 0.05                                                                      .sup.a mg/kg PO                                                                .sup.b Uterine Weight, % increase versus the ovariectomized controls           .sup.c Eosinophil peroxidase, .sup.V maximum                                   .sup.d Serum cholesterol decrease versus ovariectomized controls               .sup.e 17Ethynyl-estradiol                                               

As evidence of the current invention treat estrogen dependent cancer, the following assay was performed.

MCF-7 Proliferation Assay

MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells (ATCC HTB 22) were maintained in MEM (minimal essential medium, phenol red-free, Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (V/V), L-glutamine (2 mM), sodium pyruvate (1 mM), HEPES {(N- 2-hydroxyethyl!piperazine-N'- 2-ethanesulfonic acid!10 mM}, non-essential amino acids and bovine insulin (1 ug/mL) (maintenance medium). Ten days prior to assay, MCF-7 cells were switched to maintenance medium supplemented with 10% dextran coated charcoal stripped fetal bovine serum (DCC-FBS) assay medium) in place of 10% FBS to deplete internal stores of steroids. MCF-7 cells were removed from maintenance flasks using cell dissociation medium Ca++/Mg++ free HBSS (phenol red-free) supplemented with 10 mM HEPES and 2 mM EDTA!. Cells were washed twice with assay medium and adjusted to 80,000 cells/mL. Approximately 100 mL (8,000 cells) were added to flat-bottom microculture wells (Costar 3596) and incubated at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂ humidified incubator for 48 hours to allow for cell adherence and equilibration after transfer. Serial dilutions of drugs or DMSO as a diluent control were prepared in assay medium and 50 mL transferred to triplicate microcultures followed by 50 mL assay medium for a final volume of 200 mL. After an additional 48 hours at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂ humidified incubator, microcultures were pulsed with tritiated thymidine (1 μCi/well) for 4 hours. Cultures were terminated by freezing at -70° C. for 24 hours followed by thawing and harvesting of microcultures using a Skatron Semiautomatic Cell Harvester. Samples were counted by liquid scintillation using a Wallac BetaPlace β counter. The compounds of formula I are active and potent in inhibiting the tumor cell growth, see: Table 2.

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                                Compound                                                                               IC.sub.50 (nM)                                                  ______________________________________                                                Example 1                                                                              500                                                                    Example 2                                                                              100                                                             ______________________________________                                    

As used herein, the term "effective amount" means an amount of compound of the present invention which is capable of inhibiting the symptoms of the various pathological conditions herein described. The specific dose of a compound administered according to this invention will, of course, be determined by the particular circumstances surrounding the case including, for example, the compound administered, the route of administration, the state of being of the patient, and the pathological condition being treated.

The compounds of this invention can be administered by a variety of routes including oral, rectal, transdermal, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, and intranasal. These compounds preferably are formulated prior to administration, the selection of which will be decided by the attending physician. Thus, another aspect of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The total active ingredients in such formulations comprises from 0.1% to 99.9% by weight of the formulation. By "pharmaceutically acceptable" it is meant the carrier, diluent, excipients and salt must be compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation, and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

Pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention can be prepared by procedures known in the art using well known and readily available ingredients. For example, the compounds of formula I, with or without an estrogen or progestin compound, can be formulated with common excipients, diluents, or carriers, and formed into tablets, capsules, suspensions, powders, and the like. Examples of excipients, diluents, and carriers that are suitable for such formulations include the following: fillers and extenders such as starch, sugars, mannitol, and silicic derivatives; binding agents such as carboxymethyl cellulose and other cellulose derivatives, alginates, gelatin, and polyvinyl-pyrrolidone; moisturizing agents such as glycerol; disintegrating agents such as calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate; agents for retarding dissolution such as paraffin; resorption accelerators such as quaternary ammonium compounds; surface active agents such as cetyl alcohol, glycerol monostearate; adsorptive carriers such as kaolin and bentonite; and lubricants such as talc, calcium and magnesium stearate, and solid polyethyl glycols.

The compounds also can be formulated as elixirs or solutions for convenient oral administration or as solutions appropriate for parenteral administration, for example, by intramuscular, subcutaneous or intravenous routes. Additionally, the compounds are well suited to formulation as sustained release dosage forms and the like. The formulations can be so constituted that they release the active ingredient only or preferably in a particular physiological location, possibly over a period of time. The coatings, envelopes, and protective matrices may be made, for example, from polymeric substances or waxes.

Compounds of formula I, alone or in combination with another pharmaceutical agent, generally will be administered in a convenient formulation. A typical dosage amount is from about 5 mg to about 600 mg, 1 to 3 times a day. More typically, the dose will be about 15 mg to 80 mg/day. The term of administration will be for a period of at least 2 months. More typically, administration will be at least 6 months, or chronically. The following formulation examples only are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Formulations

In the formulations which follow, "active ingredient" means a compound of formula I, or a salt or solvate thereof.

Formulation-1: Gelatin Capsules

Hard gelatin capsules are prepared using the following:

    ______________________________________                                         Ingredient       Quantity (mg/capsule)                                         ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient                                                                               0.1-1000                                                      Starch, NF       0-650                                                         Starch flowable powder                                                                          0-650                                                         Silicone fluid 350 centistokes                                                                  0-15                                                          ______________________________________                                    

The formulation above may be changed in compliance with the reasonable variations provided.

A tablet formulation is prepared using the ingredients below:

Formulation 2: Tablets

    ______________________________________                                         Ingredient        Quantity (mg/tablet)                                         ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient   2.5-1000                                                   Cellulose, microcrystalline                                                                      200-650                                                      Silicon dioxide, fumed                                                                            10-650                                                      Stearate acid      5-15                                                        ______________________________________                                    

The components are blended and compressed to form tablets.

Alternatively, tablets each containing 2.5-1000 mg of active ingredient are made up as follows:

Formulation 3: Tablets

    ______________________________________                                         Ingredient        Quantity (mg/tablet)                                         ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient 25-1000                                                      Starch            45                                                           Cellulose, microcrystalline                                                                      35                                                           Polyvinylpyrrolidone                                                                             4                                                            (as 10% solution in water)                                                     Sodium carboxymethyl                                                                             4.5                                                          cellulose                                                                      Magnesium stearate                                                                               0.5                                                          Talc              1                                                            ______________________________________                                    

The active ingredient, starch, and cellulose are passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed thoroughly. The solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone is mixed with the resultant powders which are then passed through a No. 14 mesh U.S. sieve. The granules so produced are dried at 50°-60° C. and passed through a No. 18 mesh U.S. sieve. The sodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, and talc, previously passed through a No. 60 U.S. sieve, are then added to the granules which, after mixing, are compressed on a tablet machine to yield tablets.

Suspensions each containing 0.1-1000 mg of medicament per 5 ml dose are made as follows:

Formulation 4: Suspensions

    ______________________________________                                         Ingredient      Quantity (mg/5 ml)                                             ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient                                                                              0.1-1000 mg                                                    Sodium carboxymethyl                                                                           50 mg                                                          cellulose                                                                      Syrup           1.25 mg                                                        Benzoic acid solution                                                                          0.10 mL                                                        Flavor          q.v.                                                           Color           q.v.                                                           Purified water to                                                                              5 mL                                                           ______________________________________                                    

The medicament is passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed with the sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and syrup to form a smooth paste. The benzoic acid solution, flavor, and color are diluted with some of the water and added, with stirring. Sufficient water is then added to produce the required volume.

An aerosol solution is prepared containing the following ingredients:

Formulation 5: Aerosol

    ______________________________________                                         Ingredient      Quantity (% by weight)                                         ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient                                                                               0.25                                                          Ethanol         25.75                                                          Propellant 22   70.00                                                          (Chlorodifluoromethane)                                                        ______________________________________                                    

The active ingredient is mixed with ethanol and the mixture added to a portion of the propellant 22, cooled to 30° C., and transferred to a filling device. The required amount is then fed to a stainless steel container and diluted with the remaining propellant. The valve units are then fitted to the container.

Suppositories are prepared as follows:

Formulation 6: Suppositories

    ______________________________________                                         Ingredient     Quantity (mg/suppository)                                       ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient                                                                                250                                                          Saturated fatty acid                                                                          2,000                                                           glycerides                                                                     ______________________________________                                    

The active ingredient is passed through a No. 60 mesh U.S. sieve and suspended in the saturated fatty acid glycerides previously melted using the minimal necessary heat. The mixture is then poured into a suppository mold of nominal 2 g capacity and allowed to cool.

An intravenous formulation is prepared as follows:

Formulation 7: Intravenous Solution

    ______________________________________                                         Ingredient      Quantity                                                       ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient                                                                              50 mg                                                          Isotonic saline 1,000 mL                                                       ______________________________________                                    

The solution of the above ingredients is intravenously administered to a patient at a rate of about 1 mL per minute. 

We claim:
 1. A compound of formula I ##STR9## wherein R¹ is --H, --Cl, --F, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, --OH, --O(C₁ -C₄ alkyl), --OCO(C₁ -C₆ alkyl), --O--CO--O(C₁ -C₆ alkyl), --O--CO--AR, --SO₂ (C₂ -C₆ alkyl), or --O----CO--OAR, where AR is optionally substituted phenyl;R² and R³ are, independently, R¹ ; with the proviso that at least one of R¹, R², and R³ is --Cl, --F, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, --OH, --O(C₁ -C₄ alkyl), --OCO(C₁ -C₆ alkyl), --O--CO--O(C₁ -C₆ alkyl), --O--CO--AR, --OSO₂ (C₂ -C₆ alkyl), or --O--CO--OAR; R⁴ is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, methyl-1-pyrrolidinyl, dimethyl-1-pyrrolidino, 4-morpholino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, diisopropylamino, or 1-hexamethyleneimino; X is --CO-- or --CH₂ --; and n is 2 or 3; and further provided that when X is --CO-- and n is 2, then R¹ is selected from the group consisting of, --F, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, --OSO₂ (C₂ -C₆ alkyl), or --O--CO--OAR; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein X is --CO--.
 3. A compound according to claim 2 wherein R¹ is methoxy or hydroxy.
 4. A compound according to claim 3 wherein the said compound is 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl) 4- 2-(1-piperdinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone hydrochloride.
 5. A compound according to claim 3 wherein said compound is 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-methylbenzo b!thien-3-yl) 4- 2-(1-piperdinyl)ethoxy!phenyl!methanone hydrochloride.
 6. A compound according to claim 1 wherein n is
 2. 7. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R⁴ is piperidinyl.
 8. A method of inhibiting bone loss in a human comprising the administration of a compound of formula I of claim 1 to a human in need thereof.
 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein said human is a post-menopausal female.
 10. A method of inhibiting a cardiovascular disease comprising the administration of a compound of formula I of claim 1 to a human in need thereof.
 11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the cardiovascular disease is hyperlipidemia.
 12. A method according to claim 10 wherein the human being treated is a post-menopausal female.
 13. A method of inhibiting an estrogen-dependent cancer, comprising the administration of a compound of formula I of claim 1 to a human in need thereof.
 14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the estrogen-dependent cancer is breast cancer.
 15. A method according to claim 13 wherein the said human is a female.
 16. A method according to claim 13 wherein the estrogen-dependent cancer is uterine cancer.
 17. A pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound of formula I of claim 1, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers, or diluents.
 18. A compound of formula II ##STR10## wherein: R^(1a) is --H, --Cl, --F, --OR⁵ ;R^(2a) and R^(3a) are, independently, R^(1a) ; and R⁵ is a hydroxyl protecting group; with the proviso that only one of R^(1a), R^(2a), and R^(3a) can be hydrogen.
 19. A compound according to claim 18 wherein R⁵ is methyl.
 20. A compound of formula III ##STR11## wherein: R^(1a) is --H, --Cl, --F, --OR⁵ ;R^(2a) and R^(3a) are, independently, R^(1a) ; X is --CO-- or --CH₂ --; and R⁶ is --H or CH₃ ; with the proviso that only one of R^(1a), R^(2a), and R^(3a) can be hydrogen.
 21. A compound according to claim 20 wherein R^(1a) is methoxy.
 22. A compound of formula IV ##STR12## wherein: n is 2 or 3;R^(1a) is --H, --Cl, --F, --OR⁵ ; R^(2a) and R^(3a) are, independently, R^(1a) ; X is --CO-- or --CH₂ --; and Q is a leaving group; with the proviso that only one of R^(1a), R^(2a), and R^(3a) can be hydrogen.
 23. A compound according to claim 22 wherein Q is bromo.
 24. A compound according to claim 23 wherein n is two. 